• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Any Truck Drivers Here?

#21
Ryan L. said:
I pulled flatbeds too--to be more specific, a covered wagon--so I know all about the work involved in that.

Here's a pic of my old truck, unloading a load of bulk sunflowers in Cressona, PA:
DSC00829.jpg
Click to expand...

I wish we could have unloaded trucks this way back when i worked at Purolator :)
 
#22
I did, and still have my CDL. It's good, sometimes great money. It just wasn't for me, at the end of the day.

Which is a bit of a shame, but then again, I guess it was cheaper to find out than, say, getting a degree in Chemical Engineering and finding out you really hate that.

Though, I have not ruled out doing local delivery stuff (van/straight truck). But I'm probably not going to be doing that big ol' Class A combination rig stuff again.
 
#23
One thing--as long as you have CDL, if worse comes to worse, you can always find a job. I'm taking a break from driving right now, but I have an open door to come back to the company that I was working for. And it was a GREAT company to work for, so I am sure I will go back some day in the future.
 
#24
Ryan L. said:
One thing--as long as you have CDL, if worse comes to worse, you can always find a job. I'm taking a break from driving right now, but I have an open door to come back to the company that I was working for. And it was a GREAT company to work for, so I am sure I will go back some day in the future.
Click to expand...

True dat. Nice thing about a CDL is I can have a job, a decent one, in less than 48 hours, worst comes to it. And usually not a crap job, either, $35,000 a year min. Heck at Swift, I think I figured it out, and I was starting at about $42K a year.

My current endeavor is going to be education. Learn me to be a teacher. I'm pretty solid (and have interest in) several subjects, including Science (most branches), history/social studies, and Eng/Lit, and no matter what I do on that front, I'll be eminently employable, as well.
 
#25
Best of luck to ya on your newest endeavor, Brendan. I respect people who have the patience to go into teaching. I just couldn't do it, myself.

And you're right, there is very decent money in driving. Last year, I grossed over $60k. That, IMO, is damn good money for someone from small town ND with no college education.

Damn. Now I am wondering what the hell I was thinking getting out of trucking for awhile.
 
#27
mike phillips said:
60k for hangin on to a steerin wheel. i do believe we need more money for workin on them damn big heavy things and puttin up with truck drivers. wwwwaaaaaaaaahh my a/c dont work.:bawl:
Click to expand...


Flatbedders do a little more than hang on to a steering wheel.:p

And that A/C is damn nice to have after shovelling off half a load of bulk grain (whatever didn't come out the traps, had to be shovelled), or chaining/strapping down a load of steel, and then putting my sides back on and throwing the top tarp back over in 90 degree heat.;)

We're not all just a bunch of Billy Big Riggers who drive down the road flapping our jaws about our triple digit trucks and bragging about how many miles we can drive in a day.:rolleyes: I'm sure you know the type. These are the ones that have to sit in the truckstops and harrass the waitresses, and are also usually the biggest whiners.
 
#28
Ryan L. said:
Flatbedders do a little more than hang on to a steering wheel.:p

And that A/C is damn nice to have after shovelling off half a load of bulk grain (whatever didn't come out the traps, had to be shovelled), or chaining/strapping down a load of steel, and then putting my sides back on and throwing the top tarp back over in 90 degree heat.;)

We're not all just a bunch of Billy Big Riggers who drive down the road flapping our jaws about our triple digit trucks and bragging about how many miles we can drive in a day.:rolleyes: I'm sure you know the type. These are the ones that have to sit in the truckstops and harrass the waitresses, and are also usually the biggest whiners.
Click to expand...
hmmm i should just let it be with what Ryan said and keep myself out of trouble
 
#29
I used to drive a Mercedez-Benz model 1419; straight truck with a 22 foot box, 14 thousand pound front axle, and a hundred ninety horsepower. Made in Brazil, it only had a 5-speed but it was real smooth and torquey. Drove the 401 corridor from Sarnia to Ajax - you all know where that is?

I also used to be a teacher, so I've been interested to follow this thread for the views from both angles. There isn't much money in teaching, and the job satisfaction is pretty thin, too. (Here in Japan the students sleep in class with their heads down on their desks, and the teacher can't touch 'em.)

Hey -acid-, let us all know how your new job goes next week. (I'm thinking about going West, too. Got a cousin out there who drives the biggest tow truck north of Penticton.) What's up BadB - I have a Biology Degree, too. Tired Thumb - thanks for that video link! And to Brendan, Mike P., Ryan (great photo!) and the others too numerous to list, keep it going!
 
#30
Just one question for you truckers: what's the deal with overzealous cops? Either there's too many dangerous truckers on the road, or it seems like trucks are nothing more than 80,000 lb. biscuts for money hungry municipalities and states sometimes. Is it really possible to go through your trucking career without getting a ticket?


Anyways, I'm still hunting for opportunities once I graduate next year. It's a little depressing looking for a job, and every entry level job requires more than I'll have, but I guess I'll just have to be excited for this last year of school.
 
#32
I've gotten a speeding ticket or two;) . Some states are worse than others. Ohio is one of the WORST--they'll nail ya for 2 mph over the limit sometimes.

As far as DOT inspections go, I have never gotten a log book violation, or had anything wrong with the truck on an inspection. I've been pretty lucky that way.
 
#33
Ryan L. said:
We're not all just a bunch of Billy Big Riggers who drive down the road flapping our jaws about our triple digit trucks and bragging about how many miles we can drive in a day.:rolleyes: I'm sure you know the type. These are the ones that have to sit in the truckstops and harrass the waitresses, and are also usually the biggest whiners.
Click to expand...

hey you dont have to tell me about drivers, as a diesel mechanic i have been dealin with them for 27 years. how about workin on a 210 degree engine under the carolina sun on a hot humid july day. the driver lets it idol while he walks in to say its runnin hot. no a/c for me to do my job. how about huffin in a 158 lb clutch assy. still no a/c for me.
 
#34
mike phillips said:
hey you dont have to tell me about drivers, as a diesel mechanic i have been dealin with them for 27 years. how about workin on a 210 degree engine under the carolina sun on a hot humid july day. the driver lets it idol while he walks in to say its runnin hot. no a/c for me to do my job. how about huffin in a 158 lb clutch assy. still no a/c for me.
Click to expand...


Been there, done that too. I started out working on the damn things. That's why I have the decency to treat mechanics with respect.

I have replaced clutches, starters, water pumps, alternators, radiators, u-joints, exhaust manifold studs/gaskets, turbos, etc. The only thing I didn't do was get into the internal engine stuff, just did general work on em. I agree with you, it's no fun.

I'm not trying to get into a pissing match as to who's job is harder. I was simply stating that we aren't all a bunch of whiny a-holes.
 
#35
Ryan L. said:
I was simply stating that we aren't all a bunch of whiny a-holes.
Click to expand...

no, but most are:D a/c is the thing that gets to me. they wont come in for service. they will drive for miles when a cap blows. now the casin is junk. they will smoke a rear end because a wheel seal was leakin. i seen something all over frame and wheel. i thought it would make it till service. but let the a/c go warm, they are there in a heartbeat.
 
#36
look at it this way
driving that truck is what pays your bills
if the wheels arent turnin your kids are going hungry

so yeah maybe the guy wants his truck fixed asap
you on the other hand get paid by the hour
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back